For the past three years, Cornerstone Youth Center has been raising money during its annual banquet by auctioning off student-produced artwork. Last year, the organization began offering supporters an opportunity to preview the artwork a few weeks prior to the banquet. This year's preview show will be held on Friday, Feb. 13, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Cornerstone, 95 S. Wilson Ave., Elizabethtown.

Artwork from the show will be auctioned off at the nonprofit's banquet, to be held from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, at The Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate, 1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown.

As Cornerstone executive director Jim Bush explained, the February event is called the Heart & Art Gala, and the name originally came from the event's proximity to Valentine's Day.

"Not only does it reflect the love the students put into the artwork they create, but it also reminds them of the great love Jesus has for them," Bush said.

Acrylics, watercolor, modern art on vinyl and sketch art pieces will be on display at the gala.

"The community will get to view the art pieces made by our students while they enjoy coffee, drinks and desserts. There will be several categories of art, and winners will be chosen in each category," Bush explained. "The winning pieces will be auctioned off during the banquet. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and speak with our student artists, hear about the inspiration behind their artwork and tour Cornerstone."

People will then be invited to attend the banquet to bid on the artwork, learn more about Cornerstone's mission and share fellowship with others. The banquet will feature a silent auction, along with the live auction of the artwork; a catered dinner by SpikeFish Catering; a video presentation by Illuminate Media, highlighting a success story of a Cornerstone alumnus; and the presentation of the Jerry Engle Volunteer Award and Laurie Shepler Award.

"The menu is braised brisket in demi-glace, port wine chicken, almond and cranberry roasted green beans, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, desserts and drinks," Bush said. "Hors d'oeuvres will be available during the silent auction."

The banquet's keynote message will be presented by Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Famer Seth Joyner.

Joyner was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the eighth round of the 1986 NFL Draft and went on to build an accomplished 13-year NFL career. He played for the Eagles from 1986 to 1993, followed by stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos. Known for his rare blend of strength and speed, Joyner earned three Pro Bowl selections in 1991, 1993 and 1994. He was named Sports Illustrated's NFL Player of the Year in 1991 and finished runner-up for Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year. Joyner appeared in two Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl XXXIII with Denver in 1998. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame in 2018 and remains active as a television and radio football analyst.

"At the banquet, he will be sharing about how his faith played a pivotal role in his life and his career and will highlight the importance of having a youth center like Cornerstone for young people to connect with caring mentors and deepen their faith in Jesus," Bush said.

Cornerstone Youth Center provides after-school programs for middle and high school students. Students have access to games and activities; use of a skatepark, indoor basketball court and rock-climbing wall; homework and tutoring help; daily meals; and leadership and development opportunities.

"By attending our banquet, you will have the opportunity to support our mission to provide a safe and fun environment where youth can build healthy relationships, be introduced to the Gospel and experience wholeness in life through Christ," Bush said. "You will enjoy a fantastic meal, hear encouraging stories of life transformation and possibly come away with some great items from our silent and live auctions!"

Proceeds from the banquet will help support the nonprofit.

"This year, we are kicking off a 'Burn the Mortgage' campaign," Bush shared. "In order to continue to provide all the programs and activities that Cornerstone offers and to grow the ministry, we are looking to pay off the mortgage in order to free up much needed resources."

He explained that Cornerstone is currently facing a staffing shortage, and with only a small number of paid staff, the organization relies on volunteers to help oversee its programs.

More volunteers are needed, he said, noting that a typical day sees upwards of 35 students with two or three paid staff and two or three volunteers. Help is especially needed on Mondays and Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m.

"Without volunteers, we will need to hire some additional part-time staff to effectively manage the number of students and continue to provide the level of excellence that has become a hallmark of Cornerstone," Bush remarked.

Doors to the banquet will open at 5 p.m., with the silent auction beginning at 5:30 p.m. The program and dinner will start at 6:30 p.m. To learn more about volunteering with Cornerstone or to register for the banquet, visit https://cornerstoneetown.org.